Origin Longevity

Finding the core signal in longevity science.

Testing

The essential blood panel for tracking longevity

Which markers to test, optimal ranges vs normal ranges, how often to test, and what to do with the results.

15 min read · Updated May 2026

Standard vs optimal ranges

Lab reference ranges are based on the average population, which includes people with metabolic disease, chronic inflammation, and sedentary lifestyles. “Normal” does not mean “optimal for longevity.”

Longevity-focused practitioners use tighter ranges derived from data on healthy, active populations and from studies associating biomarker levels with all-cause mortality risk.

The core panel

Metabolic markers:

  • Fasting glucose (optimal: 72 to 85 mg/dL, not just under 100)
  • Fasting insulin (optimal: 2 to 6 uIU/mL)
  • HbA1c (optimal: 4.8 to 5.2%)
  • HOMA-IR (calculated from glucose and insulin, optimal under 1.0)

Lipid markers:

  • ApoB (single best predictor of cardiovascular risk, optimal under 80 mg/dL)
  • Lp(a) (genetically determined, test once, know your risk)
  • Triglycerides (optimal under 80 mg/dL)

Inflammatory markers:

  • hsCRP (optimal under 0.5 mg/L)
  • Homocysteine (optimal under 8 umol/L)

Hormonal markers:

  • Free and total testosterone (both genders)
  • DHEA-S
  • Thyroid panel (TSH, free T3, free T4)

Nutrient status:

  • Vitamin D (optimal: 40 to 60 ng/mL)
  • Ferritin (optimal: 40 to 100 ng/mL for men, 30 to 80 for women)
  • Magnesium RBC (not serum, which is unreliable)
  • Omega-3 index (optimal above 8%)

Testing frequency

Baseline panel, then retest every 6 months for the first year. Once stable, annual testing is sufficient unless you are actively changing a protocol and want to measure the effect.

Lp(a) only needs to be tested once. It is genetically determined and does not change significantly with lifestyle.

Where to get tested

Direct-to-consumer labs (Marek Health, Quest via online portals, InsideTracker) allow you to order panels without a doctor’s order in most US states. Expect to pay $200 to $400 for a comprehensive panel without insurance.

Many of these markers are covered by insurance with a physician order, which is the most cost-effective route if you have a cooperative provider.